Abundant waterways along the Atlantic Ocean. Gorgeous coastlines along the Chesapeake Bay. Expansive lakes with perfect depths. Hidden ponds with tons of cover. Maryland is home to some of the best fishing spots. These prime fishing locations are full of perch, croakers, catfish, best, and other diverse fish species. If you want to catch a trophy-sized bass or just have fun at a catch-and-release river, this article is for you. Read on as we uncover the 10 best fishing spots in Maryland this summer.
1. Unicorn Lake
As if the name alone wasn’t a good enough reason to visit, Unicorn Lake offers preferred fish habitats. The 43-acre lake has a maximum depth of 8 ft and an average depth of 4 ft. The major tributary to the lake provides cool water, and about 70% of the lake is forested. Woody debris provides great spots for finding active fish. There are also fish attractors (discarded Christmas trees) throughout the lake. You’ll be able to find the most fish attractors in the lower half of the lake, right by the dam.
2. Lake Habeeb
Take a trip to Rocky Gap State Park so you can fish out of Lake Habib this summer. Scenic hiking trails provide anglers full access to the lake’s 9.4 miles of shoreline. Whatever strategy you have for freshwater fishing, you can apply it here. Sharp drop-offs, shallow flats, and strategic cover provide anglers with various options. The maximum depth of the lake is 74 ft. Water clarity is clear. There are even artificial fish structures throughout the lake to help fish thrive. The mercury levels fluctuate at Lake Habeeb, and other reservoirs. It’s always good to check the state’s advisory before consuming catches.
3. Liberty Reservoir
Baltimore County, Maryland, is home to Liberty reservoir. The reservoir is fed by a primary tributary, the North Branch of the Patapsco River. At full pool, the shoreline length is 131 km. When it’s not at the full pool, the shoreline length rests around 18 km. The average depth is 59 ft; however, the maximum depth is 144 ft. You’ll be able to spend the day fishing for striped bass, bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and white perch. The bass and white crappie consistently reach trophy size.
4. Blair’s Valley Lake
Summertime brings Blair’s Valley to life. Fishing and boating services manage the game fish population. You’ll have plenty of chances to make large catches. The warm water fishery contains largemouth bass, bluegill, tiger muskie, and more. It’s not uncommon to catch a tiger muskie that’s 44 inches long! You’ll also have a chance to catch yellow perch, brown trout, bullhead, and carp. After the summer, come by the lake during the fall season to fish for rainbow trout. Adult rainbow trout are stocked during spring and fall to keep the fishery active.
5. Youghiogheny River
Are you looking for a catch and release location? Then you should plan a visit to the river in Garrett County. The river is 4 miles long and features catch and release trout fishing areas. The fishing begins at the Deep Creek Lake power plant and runs through Sang Run Bridge. There are plenty of boulders and limestone bedrock to provide prime fishing opportunities. Only artificial lures and flies are permitted at Youghiogheny River. As you fish for trout and smallmouth bass, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most scenic places Maryland has to offer. Bring your camera; the wildlife moments are priceless. Ospreys, mink, and rivers otters call Youghiogheny River home.
6. Tuckahoe Lake
Tuckahoe lake is 19 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 7 ft near the dam. The rest of the lake has a depth of 5-6 feet. The lake has banks that drop off quickly, but the depth remains constant. Catch the aggressive chain pickerel at Tuckahoe Lake. Pickerel love hiding in the aquatic roots and tree stumps. The tenacious fish is a predator from the pike family. You’ll also be able to catch other species such as black and white crappie, pumpkin seed fish, brown bullhead, and carp. The lake even supports a healthy bass and bluegill fishery managed throughout the season.
7. Lake Artemesia
Lake Artemesia is 38 acres in size. There’s a handicapped-accessible fishing pier and gorgeous aquatic gardens. You’ll feel like you’re in the great outdoors because you’ll be surrounded by raw wilderness. Plenty of finches, orioles, ibis and other birds will flit by throughout the day. This is a special nature area, so personal watercraft aren’t permitted on the lake. A non-tidal fishing license is required for anyone 16 years and older. You’ll also need a trout stamp to catch and take trout from the lake.
8. Leonard’s Mill Pond
Sometimes it’s nice to break away from the large lakes and fish out of a pond. Leonard’s Millpond is one of the best ponds to visit in Maryland. Situated in Wicomico county, the pond is 30 acres in size and a maximum depth of 8 ft. It’s the perfect pond for fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkin seed sunfish, golden shiners, and common.
9. Adkins Mill Pond
Sometimes less is more, and that’s definitely the case with Adkins Mill pond. This pond is also in Wicomico county, Maryland, and it’s one of the tiniest fishing spots available. The pond is only 4 acres, and the waters are shallow. The tannic shallow waters are the deepest in the upper areas of the pond. As you reach the pond’s upper areas, you’ll notice the trees become denser. There’s a lot of bald cypress and aquatic vegetation that help support healthy fish populations. Adkins Mill pond is also a fishery regularly stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and bluegill. You can also catch black crappie, blue spotted sunfish, and even the American eel!
10. Urieville Lake
Take a trip to Kent county Maryland to visit Urieville Lake. The lake is shaped like the letter Y. The surface area is 35 acres, with an average depth of 3 ft. There isn’t any horsepower limitation on the lake. However, you’ll want to keep your maximum speed at 6 knots or slower. Thick vegetation during summer can make things more challenging in a boat, but your hard work will pay off. The lake supports bass, bluegill, brown trout, bullhead, catfish, golden shiners, and common carp.
